STU...245-40's?
 

Looking to replace my Advans and am wanting a competitive tire to run out of town events in STU. So far, I'm not happy with my options if I stay with my OEM wheels. It seems like I can get the cheaper R-S2 and 615 in a 245/45-17, but I'm not a fan of losing gearing.

Has anyone tried the 245/40 Neova? I like everything about this tire except the price.

Is most everyone running a 45-series tire?

Thanks,

Brian

IMO the 245/45 is too tall..to much sidewall for flex and decreased steering response not to mention gearing it up like you mentioned. The Neova is a good tire. Right now I'm running the Advan AO32R's (soft compound) in 245/40. It has worked great for autox'ing. I've also used 245/40 Hoosiers and 255/40 Victoracers. If available the 255/40 is the best size overall without needing any type of fender rolling, etc.

I have the Hankooks in stock and can shave them.

I run Toyo RA1 255/40/17 on the stock Enkei wheels. They fit just fine with no modifications, and stick like glue.

Yeah, I'd run the 255/40-17 615 if I could, but STU rules (SCCA SoloII) have a max tire width of 245 for AWD cars.

I've been told by Josh Sortor (STX nat champ) that the 245 Neova is too wide for an 8" wheel. Now, he's a fairly finicky guy, but he chose to run the 235/40-17 in then end, when he *could* have run the larger width (have to assume it was for the better feel and gearing). I guess the Neova just runs really big in the 245 size.

I'm hoping some of the national STU guys will chime in here.

Thanks,

Brian

Oops I forgot about the STU size limit :)
The 245 is just fine for an 8" rim. 10mm isn't much of a difference from the 235's.
I ran 255/40's on my stock wheels and they worked great. I would've liked a little more contact patch in the rear but in a way it helped because it increased oversteer a bit.
I'd pick a 235/40 over a 245/45 but I'd pick a 245/40 over either one of them.
With 235/40's it wouldn't be hard to run out of gear causing more 2-3 shifts. Even with 245/40's and an extended rev limit I was hitting the limiter (7800rpm) in second gear at some events. That is where the 245/45 might actually help a little. There are drawbacks to runnign either one

I can tell you with great certainty that the width of the tire was not his concern. There is a huge gearing advantage with the tire size he ran.

Run the 245/40 Neova, you will not be dissapointed.

BFG Comp/TA 245/40.... great

Won't even be remotely competitive at the national level.

Thanks for the feedback guys, but I think the wallet's going to make this decision for me. I'll be cheaping out and getting the mushy RS-2's.

They might be mushy, but they have some awesome grip. In addition, lower air pressures, while not helping the roll-over will help increase grip quite a bit.